The Biorenewables Research Laboratory (BRL) was just the first phase of a larger project called the Biorenewables Complex. The second phase of this project was completed in 2014, adding two buildings to the site and providing a new home for Iowa State’s top-ranked department of agricultural and biosystems engineering (ABE).

The complex includes a 70,000-square-foot office and classroom wing known as Virgil B. Elings Hall and a 100,000-square-foot research and teaching wing/8,000-square-foot atrium known as Sukup Hall and Atrium. It also houses a 150-seat auditorium in the lower level. The $74.5 million project was made possible through a partnership of public and private support. View a video tour of the BRC

The facilities were designed to pursue a LEED® Gold level certification, as the Biorenewables Research Laboratory already has received.

Floating World

The complex also features “Floating World,” an art structure suspended in the atrium.Created by Ralph Helmick, the work consists of parallel planes of painted steel It is visible from all parts of the atrium as well as through the windowed east wall. Learn more about Floating World.